Hydrophobic Polymer-Coated Particles for Binder Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite materials face challenges in forming a strong bond between hydrophilic filler particles and hydrophobic binders, leading to weak points under stress and complicating recycling, while current surface treatments like silanization are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Particles are coated with a hydrophobic surface coating composed of monomers of type A, such as OR1, NR1, NR1R2, and CN, applied using an energy-efficient process involving mixing, drying, and crosslinking to ensure a stable bond with the binder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If silanization is used to hydrophobize particle surfaces, then bonding between particles and binder is improved, but production cost and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond strength between particles and binderVSAvoidenergy consumption of surface treatment process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive and energy-intensive silanization processes with a cost-effective polymer coating system. The coating composition containing monomers of type A is applied to particles and cured to form a hydrophobic surface layer, eliminating the need for costly silane chemicals and complex multi-step processing while achieving equivalent or superior bonding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface coating from inorganic silane-based systems to organic polymer-based systems. By using coating compositions with specific monomer structures (type A monomers with R groups of OR1, NR1, NR1R2, or CN), the surface hydrophobicity is achieved through polymerization rather than silanization, fundamentally altering the chemical mechanism and process parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If silanization is used to hydrophobize particle surfaces, then bonding between particles and binder is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond strength between particles and binderVSAvoidproduction cost of surface treatment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive and energy-intensive silanization processes with a cost-effective polymer coating system. The coating composition containing monomers of type A is applied to particles and cured to form a hydrophobic surface layer, eliminating the need for costly silane chemicals and complex multi-step processing while achieving equivalent or superior bonding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface coating from inorganic silane-based systems to organic polymer-based systems. By using coating compositions with specific monomer structures (type A monomers with R groups of OR1, NR1, NR1R2, or CN), the surface hydrophobicity is achieved through polymerization rather than silanization, fundamentally altering the chemical mechanism and process parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydrophilic filler particles are used, then material availability is improved, but bonding with hydrophobic binders deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of filler particlesVSAvoidbond strength between particles and binder
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polymer coating as an intermediary layer between the hydrophilic filler particle surface and the hydrophobic binder. This coating composition, containing monomers of type A, acts as a transition layer that provides hydrophobicity to the particle surface, enabling compatible interaction with hydrophobic binders while maintaining the availability of various filler particle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface property parameters of the filler particles by applying a polymer coating. The coating transforms the surface chemistry from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, altering the surface energy and chemical composition to match the binder characteristics, thereby improving interfacial compatibility and bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The hydrophobic coating enables a strong bond with the binder, reducing stress points and facilitating recycling, while allowing for cost-effective and sustainable production of composite materials with predictable color and optical effects.

Implementation Method 1

a coating composition based on monomers of type A, wherein the monomers of type A are a substance of the structure... R is selected from a group comprising OR1, NR1, NR1R2 and CN

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

particles with an at least partially hydrophobic surface coating... the monomers of type A are a substance of the structure... R is selected from a group comprising OR1, NR1, NR1R2 and CN

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP4613816A1Particles with a polymer coating, method for producing said coated particles and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 GEBRÜDER DORFNER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4613816A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4613816A1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP4613816A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to particles with an at least partially hydrophobic surface coating, comprising carrier particles which are at least partially surface-coated with a coating composition based on monomers of type A, wherein the monomers of type A comprise a substance of the structure, wherein R is selected from a group comprising OR1, NR1, NR1R2 and CN, wherein X is H or a hydrocarbon chain, wherein R1 and R2 are defined in claim 3. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for producing such particles and to a molded part comprising such particles.